Elian Gonzalez, the Cuban who at the age of 6 was found floating in waters of Florida's coastline, after the boat he was sailing with his mother capsized, said in a recent interview he'd like more than anything to visit the United States.
"To the American people, first I say thank you for the love they give me," he said, ABC News reported. "I want the time to give my love to American people."
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Gonzalez ignited an international debate about parental rights versus government rights after he was subjected to a Cuban-American struggle over where he should live. Miami relatives said his mother was obviously fleeing Cuba's dictatorship and America ought to grant her dying wish. His father, back in Cuba – along with the Cuban government – claimed paternal rights to decide where he should live.
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Ultimately, U.S. Marshals stormed the home of the Miami relatives who were holding him, leading to a photo heard around the world – the picture of a terrified 6-year-old, in the arms of a fisherman, as a uniformed officer pointed a firearm in his face.
Gonzalez was returned to Cuba and raised by his father. Now, as an adult, he says he wants to tour America.
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"For my family, it has always been, we always have the desire to say to the American people, to say to each household our gratitude, appreciations and love that we have," he said, ABC News reported.
"Perhaps one day we could pay a visit to the United States. I could personally thank those people who helped us who were there by our side. Because we're so grateful for what they did."
Gonzalez said he'd like to see a baseball game in America, visit Washington-area museums and talk to U.S. citizens.
